Longtime friends Jennifer Kimpe and Jeanne-Marie Hebert created their new Rue de Rêve Apértifs brand to ultimately honor life’s special moments.
Meeting as neighbors in Oakland nearly two decades ago—Kimpe, from Los Angeles, and Hebert, a Santa Rosa native—they raised children together and developed a tradition of annual joint birthday trips. During one California coastal road trip, they envisioned combining their shared passions for travel, drink and design.
Kimpe brings wine and lifestyle brand expertise from founding Bien Sûr, plus interior design talents inspired by her travels. Hebert contributes more than 20 years of design business experience as co-founder of Bay Design & Build, with deep appreciation for European culture and culinary traditions.
The company’s production takes place in Sonoma, and the founders continue to find inspiration in the area’s natural beauty, world-class culinary scene and entrepreneurial spirit—particularly enjoying Highway One drives and gatherings with Rue de Rêve cocktails. They answered our questions jointly via email.
Amber Turpin: How did you get into this work?
Jennifer Kimpe and Jeanne-Marie Hebert: During our European travels together, we fell in love with the apéritif ritual. Years later, during a road trip along the California coast, we were inspired to reimagine that tradition for the U.S., infusing it with a distinctly Californian spirit.
Jennifer’s deep knowledge of the wine and spirits industry laid the groundwork for an idea that felt both achievable and inventive, given the scarcity of domestic, all-natural apéritif options. Our vision was to craft a refined drink that not only tastes delicious, but awakens the senses and invites more frequent moments marked with beauty and intention, shared in good company.
Did you ever have an ‘aha’ moment with a certain beverage? If so, tell us about it.
The first time we were served Suze with soda in France, in a beautiful glass—it was herbal, bitter, slightly sweet and so refreshing. It felt like a completely unique drink experience.
What is your favorite thing to drink at home?
Right now, we are both enjoying Rue de Rêve Blanc with a splash of tonic and a citrus slice. It’s like an instant Hugo Spritz, only easier to make and a dream to drink.
Where do you like to go out for a drink?
In Marin, there are so many places to enjoy a beautiful cocktail. Right now, we are especially fond of Corner Bar in Mill Valley, which is offering a special “Sidewalk Spritz” menu for the summer.
If you were stuck on a desert island, what would you want to be drinking (besides fresh water)?
That’s easy: Champagne—the queen of apéritifs.Learn more about Rue de Rêve Apéritifs at ruedereveaperitifs.com.
